Va. tax holiday on hurricane items

Virginia residents can get a jump on hurricane season and save money at the same time.

The Virginia tax department says the state's sales tax holiday on hurricane preparedness items begins May 25 and runs through May 31.

During the holiday period, emergency items such as batteries, flashlights, bottled water and first aid kits that cost $60 or less will be exempt from the 5 percent state and local sales tax. Generators and other bigger-ticket items that cost $1,000 or less also are exempt.

Retailers can choose to exempt other items from sales tax.

A complete list of tax-exempt products can be found at the tax department's Web site at www.tax.virginia.gov.